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Conductor Downes, Wife End Lives in Swiss Suicide Clinic

Couple faced failing health

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2009 10:18 AM CDT
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(Newser) – British conductor Edward Downes and his wife, Joan, have died at a Swiss suicide clinic, ending their lives “under circumstances of their own choosing,” the couple’s children said today. Downes, 85, was largely blind and Joan, 74, had cancer, the Times of London reports, which their children say prompted their decision. British police are investigating, but assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland.

Edward Downes conducted some 950 performances at London’s Royal Opera House and was music director of the Australian Opera, with which he conducted the first Sydney Opera House performance. Joan was a ballet dancer, choreographer, and TV producer. "They both lived life to the full and considered themselves to be extremely lucky to have lived such rewarding lives, both professionally and personally,“ the couple's children, Caractacus and Boudicca, said in a statement, adding, "Our parents had no religious beliefs and there will be no funeral.“

This undated handout photo made available shows renowned British conductor Edward Downes.
This undated handout photo made available shows renowned British conductor Edward Downes.   (AP Photo)
In this 1967 file photo, British conductor Edward Downes and his wife, Joan, are seen with their new son, Caractacus, at the Royal Northern Hospital, London.
In this 1967 file photo, British conductor Edward Downes and his wife, Joan, are seen with their new son, Caractacus, at the Royal Northern Hospital, London.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
Kookey90
Jul 15, 2009 11:12 AM CDT
Obviously they both lived a full life and had nothing but pain and discomfort to look forward to; obviously no quality of life here. If faced with the same situation I might consider the same - I don't know how, in my old age, I could continue without my wife - she is everything to me.
Newser001
Jul 15, 2009 1:13 AM CDT
Their children were featured on BBC World Radio this morning. They said they were very proud of their parents - Saying their parents, as a couple, couldn't have lived a more wonderful and happy lives. Downes' was quite gifted, as was his wife. A very fitting operatic, poetic ending to two wonderful lives. The children had no regrets as to their departure.
marca17
Jul 14, 2009 9:09 AM CDT
Cary and Boody?

 
cancer • classical music • assisted suicide • obituary • blindness • Sydney Opera House • Royal Opera House • conductor • Giuseppe Verdi • Edward Downes • Joan Downes

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